Orientation is always a bit of a whirlwind. New faces. New spaces. So many conversations. And a lot of figuring things out.

Here at the Library, we had such a great time meeting so many of you both online and across campuses, so here is a little recap of what we got up to together.

A few places we crossed paths

We loved seeing so many of you at the Online Welcome Event! Over 400 of you joined us – it was a big one! It was great to introduce you to the fastest way to find your readings and show you where to go when you need help.

At International Student Orientation, it was wonderful to connect in a smaller group setting and chat about studying in Australia, finding your textbooks, and making the most of Library spaces. Thank you for the thoughtful questions and conversations. And we met some of you at First Nations Welcome Events and smoking ceremonies across our campuses.

We introduced over 800 of you to our facilities during Campus Tours and had the chance to share our favourite library highlights including how to access our library buildings 24/7, all about our study spaces, and where to find us if you need help.

And a big thank you to the 137 of you who registered to join us for the very first Library Unlocked online workshop. It was so good to walk through finding readings together. If you couldn’t make it (or want to rewatch it), our Library unlocked: Your key to Orientation YouTube playlist covers all the same tips.

I thought [Library Unlocked workshop] was spot on. It didn’t over complicate things. [It] provided information in a concise way to provide confidence to attendees.

Some things you might have discovered

Alongside the central Orientation events, we tried a few things designed to make getting started feel a little easier (and a little more fun).

First Time on Campus modules

If you explored the new Brightspace modules before arriving — thank you!

We included:

• how to enter and navigate the Library
• where to find quiet spaces
• what to expect when printing, and
• a few student tips from those who’ve been here before.

Students told us they prefer practical, self-paced guidance they can revisit anytime, so we built something that works that way. If you haven’t checked them out yet, they’re sitting in the A-Library support site whenever you’re ready.

Self-paced audio tours

This year we tried something a little different. Some students told us they prefer exploring spaces independently — moving at their own pace, not feeling rushed. So we put our thinking caps on last year and created our own self-guided audio tours. Art galleries and museums do it, so why not us too?

They’re perfect if you:

• arrived after Orientation week
• like to learn by doing
• prefer a quieter way to get familiar with a space

There are QR codes in our library spaces where the tours begin. Scan and go – it’s that easy. Or, you can find them on Soundcloud. Each tour is less than 10 minutes and will guide you through the whole space but you can also pause at anytime.

Library Explorer Bingo

Did you put a sticker in the square of a library space you’d discovered — that was our Explorer Bingo.

It wasn’t really about completing the card (although bonus points if you did). It was about noticing spaces you might not have otherwise wandered into yet. Quiet rooms. Group areas. Games spaces.

Bathurst and Albury also created mini versions students could take an complete themselves.

We loved seeing students exploring in their own way.

This or that

The Albury team ran a “This or That” activity as a fun way to help you think about how you like to study. The best part? There’s no wrong choice – the Library has both options covered!

Secret signage

You may have spotted some subtle, playful signs tucked around the Library. They’re designed to be discovered naturally — little nudges pointing you toward game zones, study spaces or services you might not have realised were there. Did you spot any?

Library codebreak

Wagga Wagga, you absolutely embraced this one! In Wagga Wagga, we trialed a new activity called, Library Codebreak.

Students solved clues stuck to the front of our student lockers leading them to areas around the library where they found a hidden four-digit code to claim the prizes inside.

Not only did you love it, you said it helped you become more informed about using the library! Sounds like the trial went well so stay tuned – we’ll try and bring this to other campuses in the future. Tell us more about what you thought of this activity.

For now though, we’ve rest the Library Codebreak with surprise prizes hidden under the cups so that even more students (returners included) can enjoy the fun. You’ll never guess what’s under the cups!

Market Day and Support Services Hub

We had such a good time chatting at Market Day and the Support Services Hub in Wagga Wagga. Whether you stopped for a bookmark, asked a question, or just grabbed some info for later — it was great to connect face-to-face.

Studying online? Of course, we thought of you too!

We’ve loved reading your feedback about this also.

Thank you so much! I absolutely loved the care pack. Online learning does feel isolating and that small gesture made me think of all those that I don’t see but are sharing my learning journey with me.

If you received a care pack in your home delivery request, share with us what you thought: Let us know! – Fill out form

A small but mighty detail

Orientation might be over… but we’re not saying goodbye anytime soon

If you discovered something new during Orientation, that’s exactly what we hoped for. And if you’re still figuring things out, that’s completely normal too.

Everything we shared during Orientation including the modules, the audio tours, Library Unlocked, is still there waiting for you when you’re ready.

Thanks for such a positive start to the session. We’re looking forward to seeing you around the Library (or online) throughout the year.